Michael Crabtree’s career day and dazzling catch-making display sent the 49ers to another NFC West crown and into the playoffs with some much-needed momentum.

Crabtree caught touchdown passes of 49 and 7 yards and finished with a career-high 172 yards, leading the 49ers to a 27-13 victory against the Cardinals yesterday in San Francisco.

Colin Kaepernick threw for a career-best 276 yards and two TDs as the Niners (11-4-1) earned a first-round bye thanks to their victory and the Vikings defeating the Packers.

“It was a lot harder this time around to get it,” said safety Donte Whitner.

Frank Gore ran for a 2-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter for his franchise-best 51st touchdown rushing, breaking a tie with mentor Roger Craig and the late Hall of Famer Joe Perry.

Seahawks 20, Rams 13

In Seattle, Russell Wilson tied Peyton Manning’s record for most touchdown passes by a rookie with 26, and his 1-yard TD run with 1:39 left lifted the Seahawks and gave them an 8-0 home mark this season.

The Seahawks (11-5) will travel to Washington to face the NFC East champion Redskins on Sunday.

Panthers 44, Saints 38

In New Orleans, DeAngelo Williams rushed for 210 yards, including touchdown runs of 54 and 12 yards as the Panthers (7-9) won their fourth straight.

Drew Brees passed for 396 yards for the Saints (7-9), giving him 5,177 this season. That makes him the first player to eclipse 5,000 yards three times. His four TD passes gave him 43 in 2012, and he’s the first player with 40 TD passes in consecutive seasons.

Buccaneers 22, Falcons 17

In Atlanta, the Falcons couldn’t follow through with their plan to gain momentum for the playoffs as Josh Freeman threw a touchdown pass to Mike Williams, Doug Martin ran for 141 yards and Tampa Bay (7-9) beat Atlanta.

The Falcons (13-3) had little to play for as they already have home-field advantage through the NFC playoffs. Coach Mike Smith said he wanted to “finish the regular season the right way,” but defensive end John Abraham, Atlanta’s best pass rusher, left with an apparent left ankle injury in the fourth quarter.

Titans 38, Jaguars 20

In Nashville, Tenn., the Titans (6-10) became the first team in NFL history with two players scoring twice on returns — as Darius Reynaud ran back two punts and Zach Brown returned two interceptions for touchdowns — in a victory over the Jaguars (2-14).

Chargers 24, Raiders 21

In San Diego, Micheal Spurlock returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown and the Chargers won what’s expected to be Norv Turner’s final game as coach.

Turner and general manager A.J. Smith are expected to be fired because the Chargers (7-9) missed the playoffs for the third straight season. The Raiders finished 4-12.